Stereoselective Interactions of Chiral Polyurea Nanocapsules with Albumins
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Exploiting the chirality of nanometric structures to modulate biological systems is an emerging and compelling area of research. In this study, we reveal that chiral polyurea nanocapsules exhibit significant stereoselective interactions with albumins from various sources despite their nearly neutral surface potential. Moreover, these interactions can be modulated by altering the nanocapsule surface composition, offering new opportunities to impact their distribution and, if used as a drug delivery system, the pharmacokinetics of the drug. Notably, these interactions promote preferential cellular internalization of only one chiral configuration. We synthesized chiral polyurea nanocapsules with reproducible sizes via interfacial polymerization between toluene 2,4-diisocyanate and d - or l -lysine enantiomers on a volatile oil-in-water emulsion interface, followed by solvent evaporation. Further synthesis optimization reduced the capsule size to a range compatible with in vivo administration, and capsules with alternating chiral patterns were also produced. The stereoselective interactions with albumins were assessed through capsule size changes, fluorescence quenching, and surface charge measurements. Biocompatibility, stability, and cellular internalization were evaluated. Additionally, scanning transmission electron and atomic force microscopy were carried out to assess the capsule shape, surface composition, and morphology. We discovered that d -nanocapsules exhibited 2.1–2.6 times greater albumin adsorption compared with their l -counterparts. This difference is attributed to the distinct morphology of d -nanocapsules, characterized by a more concave shape, central depression, and rougher surface. The extent of adsorption could be finely tuned by adjusting the d - and l -lysine monomer ratios during synthesis. Both chiral configurations demonstrated biocompatibility and stability with d -nanocapsules showing a 2.5-fold increase in cellular internalization.
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funders: Israel Cancer Research Fund, Wolfson Foundation, Ministry of Science, Technology and Space, United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation, Israel Cancer Association, Israel Science Foundation, Council for Higher Education, David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
OpenAlex ID: W4401817698